Buddha’s Hand Citron Vodka
This buddhas hand citron vodka was one of our first recipe posts back in 2008. It’s fun to see how our photography and garden has changed over the years!
What is Buddhas Hand Citrus?
You really need to get your hands on one of these, no pun intended. Behold, one of the most intriguing, beautiful and aromatic citrus of the world – The buddha’s hand citron or fingered citron. Most of you probably already know of this squid looking, rind tentacled fruit. For those of you who don’t, it’s hard to believe that it’s even a citrus fruit at all. Doesn’t it look like a multi -fingered hand?
This buddha’s hand is one of the oldest citrus in the world and oddly enough, has no juice or pulp. The citron family of citrus fruits normally have very little juice and the buddha’s hand is part of this unique category of citrus. What citrons lack in juice, their rinds make up in powerful fragrance. They’re superbly aromatic with concentrated lemon citrus smells. Buddha’s hand smells F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S! We feel so lucky to have a thriving buddhas hand tree in our garden.
A green buddhas hand on our tree and a ripe one ready for making the infused vodka.
The zest alone can perfume a room with a bright, beautiful, clean scent. For food, the buddha’s hand rind can give the same citrus nuances to enhance sauces or dressings. Because of the lack of fruit pulp, the powerful citrus flavors of the buddhas hand citron are wonderful in tea’s and other dishes that benefit from infused rinds. There’s 5 beautiful buddha’s hands that we have to play with and we’ve got some goodies lined up to share. But today, appropriate enough, we’re investing one of these amazing buddha’s hand citrons in a vodka. How could we not? Infusing this powerful scented buddha’s hand citron in some vodka means there’s going to be some great cocktail recipes in our near future.
How to Make Buddhas Hand Vodka
Buddha’s hand citron vodka is so easy to make, there really isn’t much of a recipe. Infuse the rinds in vodka for about 30 days and have fun with some fantastic cocktails! Follow our simple photo tutorial!
1. Start with a buddha’s hand. Clean as best as possible from dirt.2. Slice “fingers” lengthwise and wash again to remove dirt.
3. Remove as much white pith as possible, leaving fragrant rind…
…separate white pith from rinds. Discard the piths.
4. Insert rinds into clean bottle or jar. Fill with vodka. Infuse for about 30 days, then remove the rinds and strain the vodka to remove any excess citrus tidbits or debris.
Beautifully citrus infused vodka makes great gifts.
Check out our Cocktail Recipes Here and our Complete Whiskey Guide.
I am zen chef, and I love Buddha Hands everywhere!…. but what a great idea to infuse vodka with this!! Awesome! I love you guys for the idea. 🙂
They look so cool… Reminds me of how ginseng looks.
We recently got a Buddha’s hand in our garden but it hasn’t fruited yet, when it does though, I shall be sure to try this!
love the photos! made me laugh 🙂 i’ve always loved how buddha’s hands looked. they’re kinda cute in a strange, edward scissorhands sorta way. if i do get my ‘hands’ (bad pun, i know) on some, i’ll be sure to give this a go. i mean, i’d never not say ‘yes’ to vodka..x
oh my goodness this is awesome!! i have never seen one before! thanks for introducing this to me.. and of course your photos are equally fantastic guys!!
OK sorry for the typo or dyslexia … I meant Buddha. Just a little over excited I guess!
WOW! This looks so cool. I’m going to look for some Buhhda’s Citron. What a great idea for a gift to someone as well. I’m inspired.
So that is what buddha’s hand citron is. I always wondered about it since I have Hangar One buddha’s hand citron vodka – it was the best. I made Iced citron vodka chocolates with it here:
http://kitchenmusings.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/08/chocolatevodkam.html
I’ve always wondered what to do with these things (other than take funny photos:-). I have a cache of meyer lemons that are just begging to take a dip in some vodka. Might have to make a run to the liquor store tomorrow!
Awesome! I’ve never seen it around here in Marin. It’s probably too cold.
It is just amazing what you two come up with.
Haha..those photos are so cute. Ahh..my back is itching, scratch please?? Heard of this but first time seeing it. Very unique indeed.
Never heard of it. Never seen it. Want it badly. That pretty much sums it up!!
Now I have to wait 30 days to hear about what it tastes like infused into Vodka!!! you know how impatient I am!
Todd – you are wearing a beanie!!!! in california!!! oh wait, it is winter, so it must be, what, er… 60F down there? break out the snow gear! hehe.
What an interesting looking lemon, never heard of it before. That vodka sounds really nice 🙂
That’s a great idea! I saw those in the grocery store one day and had to look it up once I got home. It wasn’t worth the price here (definitely not a citrus-growing region) but I’m excited to see what you can do with them!
Ah hah ha hah!! you guys are so funny. I love those pics. I have seen the BH around in stores, but never tried one and never ever saw what they look like on the inside! I will have to grab one and try candying the peels. Would that be good? hrmmmm. xxoo
stunning, I love it!